A COMMERCIAL CASE STUDY
Space Station invests in commercial solar to power a more sustainable future
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Space Station has invested in a commercial solar PV and battery storage system at its Birmingham self-storage facility. Working alongside the project’s main contractor, Stratford Energy Solutions delivered a tailored renewable energy solution that helps reduce operating costs, lower carbon emissions and support the company’s journey towards carbon neutrality.
The installation demonstrates how businesses with large commercial premises and significant daytime electricity demand can make better use of existing roof space to generate their own clean electricity while protecting themselves against rising energy costs.
The challenge
Space Station has built its reputation on providing secure, flexible self-storage solutions while continually looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact.
As part of its wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and its ambition to achieve Carbon Footprint Standard certification, the business wanted to increase its use of renewable energy across its estate. Investing in solar would help reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower carbon emissions and improve long-term operational efficiency.
With a large warehouse-style roof and consistent daytime electricity demand, the Birmingham site was ideally suited to commercial solar generation.
The solution
Stratford Energy Solutions installed a 79.2kWp rooftop solar PV system, comprising:
- 144 Sharp 550W solar panels
- SolarEdge SE66.6K inverter
- SolarEdge S1200 optimisers
- K2 mounting system
- 2 Tesla Powerwall 2 batteries with Tesla Backup Gateway 2
The project was completed between April and June 2024, with careful planning to ensure installation took place without disrupting the site’s day-to-day operations.
Battery storage allows excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used later, increasing self-consumption and reducing reliance on imported electricity.
The results
Since commissioning, the system has delivered significant environmental and financial benefits, including:
- 79.2kWp commercial solar PV installation
- Estimated average monthly electricity bill savings of £1,195
- Projected payback period of just 4.9 years
- Over 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved
- Equivalent environmental benefit of planting 1,963 trees
The combination of solar PV and battery storage is enabling the site to generate hours of 100% renewable electricity each day, with much of its energy demand being met directly from on-site generation. This has reduced exposure to volatile electricity prices while supporting the company’s wider sustainability objectives.
Why Space Station chose Stratford Energy Solutions
Although Stratford Energy Solutions was appointed by the project’s main contractor, the company delivered highly responsive aftercare and ongoing operational support.
The Space Station team particularly valued its assistance with operation and maintenance documentation and the technical guidance provided following installation.
A model for industrial and warehouse businesses
Space Station’s investment highlights the opportunity available to many businesses operating from industrial estates.
Warehouses, logistics facilities, manufacturers, wholesalers and self-storage providers often have extensive roof space and substantial daytime electricity consumption, making them ideal candidates for commercial solar PV.
By generating clean electricity on-site, businesses can reduce operating costs, improve energy resilience and make meaningful progress towards their sustainability targets while achieving an attractive return on investment.
Project summary
| Client | Space Station |
| Sector | Self-storage |
| Location | Birmingham |
| System size | 79.2kWp |
| Solar panels | 144 × Sharp 550W |
| Battery storage | 2 × Tesla Powerwall 2 |
| Installation completed | June 2024 |
| Estimated payback | 4.9 years |
| Estimated monthly savings | £1,195 |
| CO₂ savings to date | 32,000kg |
